‘Sticky finger’ security guard pleads not guilty to stealing police officer’s Contigo bottle on camera at Old Belize

Published by [email protected] at April 23, 2025

Posted: Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 8:15 pm CST.

By Breaking Belize News Staff: A KHMH security guard is behind bars tonight after he was accused of stealing a police officer’s $150 Contigo water bottle while on duty at the Old Belize compound.

The accused, 41-year-old Eugene Lanza, was arraigned on Wednesday morning before Magistrate Ludlow Black in Court #1 on a single count of theft. Despite reportedly being caught on surveillance footage walking off with the bottle, Lanza pleaded not guilty.

According to police, the incident occurred on Monday, April 21, 2025. Police Constable Kyron Edsel Palacio reported that while stationed at Old Belize for special duty, he placed his one-gallon black and blue Contigo-brand water bottle on a table near his post. At around 4:30 p.m., while monitoring a suspicious individual, he briefly turned his attention away—only to find the bottle missing moments later.

PC Palacio questioned a nearby worker, identified as Ms. Nicole, who confirmed seeing a man in a white sleeveless shirt and khaki cargo pants take the bottle and walk toward the exit. When Palacio reviewed surveillance footage, he identified the individual as Eugene Lanza—someone he had previously searched upon entry to the premises and who had provided his name at that time. Footage reportedly showed Lanza walking out of the compound with the bottle in hand.

Lanza, who is known to the courts and has pending theft charges, was offered bail of $500 plus one surety. However, he was unable to meet bail and was remanded to the Belize Central Prison until he is able to do so.

He is scheduled to return to court at a later date as the case proceeds.

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